Missouri House Passes HCS HB 457 - Addressing the Rights of Religious Conscience

The Missouri House third read and passed HCS HB 457, which contains broad conscience clause protections that specify that anyone providing or participating in a medical procedure or research cannot be required to participate or provide services that violates his or her religious, moral, or ethical principles that are adherent to a sincere and meaningful belief in God or in relation to a supreme being.
"Because of the attack on our religious institutions and business leaders who because of their faith choose not to participate in destroying innocent human life this is a real and pressing issue for our pro-life medical professionals," said Pam Fichter, President of Missouri Right to Life.
     Those in the medical and research fields that labor every day to save lives should not be forced to take lives against their religious and moral beliefs. This bill would protect them from negative repercussions by their employers."
     "Missouri Right to Life thanks the members of all the Missouri House who supported this important legislation," said Fichter.
     HCS HB 457 passed the House by a veto proof bi-partisan vote of 116 to 41. HCS HB 457 now moves to the Senate for consideration.